Best Tourist Destinations in Southeast Asia: Top Picks
Browse more guides: India travel | Asia destinations Best Tourist Destinations in Southeast Asia: Top Picks Last updated: April 2026 · 13 min read Southeast Asia is best done as a 2-3 country combo over 14-21 days. Trying to "do" all eleven countries in three weeks is the rookie mistake everyone regrets. I've done multiple SE Asia trips combining 2-3 countries each time, and the ones I remember are the slower ones. So the top five, in the order most travelers should think about them: Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia/Bali, and Malaysia/Singapore as a pair. TL;DR: - Top 5 picks: Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia (Angkor Wat), Indonesia/Bali, Malaysia and Singapore. - Days needed: 14-21 days for a real 2-3 country trip. - Best months: Nov-Feb (dry, cool, peak season), Mar-May (hot, dry-ish), Jun-Oct (wet/monsoon, cheaper). - Realistic budget: $45-110/day USD mid-range across most countries. Singapore is the outlier at $90-180. - Biggest tip: Start with Thail...